Today, I'm here at the II International Scoliosis Symposium at AACD, and I've secured a front-row seat to bring you all the information! One of the most talked-about topics here is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which is exactly what I had. Below are some significant findings presented on this condition:
This type of scoliosis accounts for 80% of cases, so it's crucial to monitor the spines of our children and adolescents.
The cause is still unknown today, although there are studies on genes that may be related.
Some hormonal indicators may also be related to idiopathic scoliosis.
Curves above 100 degrees already compromise lung function.
Left curves are the minority of cases.
The EOS exam, which is now requested by some doctors, is much less aggressive on the body. My son's doctor requested it at the beginning of the monitoring, and I found that it is indeed much better than an X-ray. EOS is an innovative imaging system for advanced orthopedic care of the spine, the result of the evolution of a brilliant idea by a Nobel Prize winner in Physics (Georges Charpak, in 1992). This invention enabled the development of a new, ultra-sensitive X-ray detector, allowing for rapid exams (20 seconds) with both 2D and 3D quality in a functional standing position.
Physical therapy is considered highly effective as a conservative treatment.
Orthopedic braces should be worn for more than 18 hours a day and are genuinely effective, thus avoiding surgery in many cases.
The Milwaukee brace is no longer recommended for scoliosis treatment. Nowadays, there are 3D braces that are much more efficient.
And what can we expect in the future?
Genetic tests to identify scoliosis.
Work with data and machine learning.
Surgery is performed by robots.
The keyword continues to be early detection! The sooner we discover the curve, the better the treatment outcome.
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